Underbed hitch mounting system

ABSTRACT

An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/564,188, filed on Sep. 9, 2019, titled “Underbed Hitch MountingSystem,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/469,073, filed on Apr. 25, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,406,873, titled“Underbed Hitch Mounting System,” which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/327,486 filed on Apr. 26,2016, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates generally to a towing apparatus and, moreparticularly, to an underbed hitch mounting system.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods, merchandise,personal property, and other such cargo. Often, a hitch assembly isutilized to connect a towed vehicle or trailer to a towing vehicle, suchas a truck for example, to increase the capacity to transport goods.Many types of coupling devices have been developed for providing thisconnection between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle.

It is well known to utilize a trailer hitch to connect a trailer to atowing vehicle. There are many different types of trailer hitches thatmay be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of ways, depending onthe type of hitch to be used. Some of the most common types of hitchesinclude gooseneck, fifth wheel, front mount, and the like. Often, thetype of hitch used to connect a trailer and a vehicle is determined bythe size, shape and other features of the trailer. For example, largetrailers such as semitrailers and campers often require a fifth wheelhitch, whereas, small and midsized trailers, such as boat trailers, arebetter suited for gooseneck trailer hitches. Typically, trailers areconnected to a towing vehicle by way of a ball hitch secured to thevehicle and a ball socket coupling mechanism on the trailer that mountsover the ball and thereby allows for the trailer to pivot behind thetowing vehicle.

Due to the size and weight of many trailers, towing a trailer may causeunsafe conditions for the towing vehicle, such as fishtailing or otherunsafe effects. To avoid these unwanted effects, the weight of thetrailer is preferably, evenly balanced and distributed over the wheelsof the towing vehicle. Thus, the hitch may be connected to the frame orbase of the towing vehicle near the vehicle's center of gravity, andfifth wheel and gooseneck hitches mounted to pickup trucks are oftenconnected to the truck frame underneath the bed of the truck.

Traditional fifth wheel hitches include a head assembly for receiving aking pin on a trailer, a base having a plurality of legs, and one ormore mounting rails. The mounting rails may be permanently fixed to theframe of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. For example, the mountingrails may be connected between two portions of a pickup truck frameunderneath the truck bed. The mounting rails may include a plurality ofholes for receiving the legs of the fifth wheel hitch.

Corresponding openings may be cut in the truck bed and aligned with theholes in the mounting rails. The legs of the fifth wheel hitch may beconnected to holes in the mounting rails through the openings in thetruck bed, thereby securing the fifth wheel hitch to the frame of thetruck. When the fifth wheel hitch is not in use, the legs may bedisconnected from the holes in the rails and the hitch may be removedfrom the bed of the truck. Caps may be placed over the holes to allowthe truck bed to be used for other purposes.

Traditional gooseneck hitches also mount to a pickup truck frame,beneath the bed of a truck. A gooseneck hitch is designed for use in apickup truck similar to a fifth wheel. The difference is that thegooseneck uses a ball and coupler verses a kingpin and pin receiver.Gooseneck hitches include a mounting plate configured to connect to theframe of a truck, a receptacle in the mounting plate configured toreceive a ball hitch, and a hitch ball removably connected to thereceptacle and configured to engage a coupling member of the trailer. Anopening in the bed of the truck is aligned with the receptacle in themounting plate, allowing the hitch ball to connect to the receptaclethrough the opening in the truck bed. The hitch balls themselves aretypically removable or retractable so that when the hitch is not in use,the hitch ball may be removed or retracted when not in use, so as not toobstruct the bed of the pick-up truck in any significant manner.

Towing vehicles are generally adapted to accommodate either a fifthwheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch, but not both. As previously noted,fifth wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are preferably mounted to thevehicle frame near the vehicle's center of gravity but, because fifthwheel hitches and gooseneck hitches use different mountingconfigurations, only one hitch can physically occupy that location.Thus, converting a towing vehicle from a fifth wheel hitch to agooseneck hitch (or vice versa) is inefficient and can be quite time andlabor intensive.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for towing vehicles that selectively accommodates either afifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch without the need for a conversionprocess would be welcomed. Accordingly, an underbed hitch mountingsystem is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towingvehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate eithera fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system mayinclude at least one rail connectable to a vehicle frame, wherein therail includes at least one socket. The socket engages with a receivingmember, while the receiving member engages a leg of a fifth wheel hitch.A separate mid rail, connectable to the rails, includes a gooseneckhitch ball socket.

In one aspect, the invention comprises any combination of the followingfeatures:

-   -   A pair of parallel end members laterally spaced apart;    -   First and second cross rails positioned at non-orthogonal angles        relative to the end members, wherein the first and second cross        rails intersect between the end members to define a mid rail        section having a hitch ball socket;    -   Four receiving members, wherein each cross rail has two        receiving members formed in opposing ends with the hitch ball        socket disposed at a distance between the two receiving members,        wherein the four receiving members define a quadrilateral        periphery to cooperate with attachment mechanisms for a fifth        wheel hitch;    -   Wherein the distance between the two receiving members is the        same for each cross rail;    -   Wherein the cross rails form an X-shape;    -   Wherein the cross rails do not form right angles at the mid rail        section;    -   Further comprising a pair of parallel bracing members, each        bracing member attached to and transversely spanning between the        parallel end members so as to define a second quadrilateral        boundary, wherein the quadrilaterial periphery is contained        completely within the second quadrilateral boundary;    -   Wherein opposing ends of each member are attached to separate        vehicle framework rails    -   Wherein the quadrilateral periphery has a rectangular shape;    -   Wherien each end member includes at least one of a mounting        flange and a mounting aperture;    -   Wherein the receiving members attach to a fifth wheel hitch;    -   Wherein the cross rails are welded;    -   Wherein the cross rails are monolithically formed;    -   Wherein a flange is formed on each end member and wherein a        plurality of mounting apertures are formed within each flange;        and    -   Wherein the mounting apertures cooperate with a vehicle frame to        attach the mounting system to a vehicle.

In another aspect, the invention comprises any combination of thefollowing features:

-   -   A pair of parallel cross members and a pair of parallel end        members orthogonal to the cross members, wherein the cross        members and end members collectively define a quadrilateral        periphery;    -   A mid rail connected to each end member without intersecting        with either of the cross members;    -   Wherein the mid rail includes a hitch ball socket;    -   Wherein each cross member includes a receiving member formed        within the quadrilateral periphery;    -   Wherein the quadrilateral periphery has a rectangular shape;    -   Wherein the receiving members attach to a fifth wheel hitch;    -   Wherien each end member includes at least one of a mounting        flange and a mounting aperture;    -   Wherein a flange is formed on each end member and wherein a        plurality of mounting apertures are formed within each flange;    -   Wherein each flange is formed at a right angle;    -   Wherein the mid rail is parallel to the cross members; and    -   Wherein the mounting apertures cooperate with a vehicle frame to        attach the mounting system to a vehicle.

Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, anddescription below, all of which disclose elements of the invention.While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood thatelements from one described aspect may be combined with those from aseparately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinaryskill will have the requisite understanding of common processes,components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompassand disclose such common aspects even if they are not expresslyidentified herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to thedetailed description taken in connection with the followingillustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification,and any written information in the drawings should be treated as part ofthis disclosure. In the same manner, the relative positioning andrelationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well astheir function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all furtherinform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective and partially exploded view of anunderbed hitch mounting system in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rail assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter plate;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the underbedhitch mounting system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of an underbedhitch mounting system with a fifth wheel hitch in phantom immediatelyover the underbed hitch mounting system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system of

FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 23 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 26 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 26;

FIG. 29 illustrates a top perspective view of an underbed hitch mountingsystem in an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the underbed hitchmounting system of FIG. 29; and

FIG. 31 illustrates a side view of the underbed hitch mounting system ofFIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural and functional changes may be made without departing fromthe respective scope of the invention. As such, the followingdescription is presented by way of illustration only and should notlimit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may bemade to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit andscope of the invention.

As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance orillustration but do not necessarily indicate a key or preferred aspector embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather anexclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase“A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employsB; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, thearticles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more”unless context suggest otherwise.

FIGS. 1-31 illustrate various aspects of underbed hitch mounting systems10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800. As indicated throughoutthe drawings, reference elements sharing the same final two digits maypossess certain common features and characteristics in comparison tosystems shown in other aspects. Therefore, the disclosure should be readbroadly to include and cover all series of numbers possessing the samefinal two digits, particularly with respect to the rails, mid rails, andother features integrated with or formed thereon.

These systems may be used with towing vehicles that allow forselectively accommodating either a fifth wheel hitch 55 or a gooseneckhitch which is connected via hitch ball 18, as seen in the alternativein FIG. 7. Trailer hitches, such as a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch 55,may be mounted to a truck bed. These types of hitches are often mountedbeneath the truck bed in conjunction with the truck's own frame rails52, such as with cross members or rails 20 as seen in FIGS. 2 and 7. Thehitch mounting system 10 may include any appropriate feature such asthose as shown and described as being part of an under bed gooseneckhitch mounting system shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,414,009,which is hereby incorporated by reference. Further, while theorientation of rails 52 is shown with respect to system 10 in thesefigures, it will be understood that similar attachment may be madeaccording to the other systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and800 described herein.

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include at least one railmount or cross member 20 and at least one mid rail or adapter plate 40.For example, the mounting system 10 may include two rails 20 and one midrail or adapter plate 40. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, the mountingsystem 10 includes two rails 20 and only one mid rails 40; however,various other embodiments contemplate a plurality of rails 20 and/ormid-rails 40 in various arrangements, including but not limited toX-shaped, parallel, perpendicular (e.g., H- or I-shaped), both paralleland perpendicular (so as to form a quadrilateral shape along theouter-most periphery), or various combinations of parallel,perpendicular, and angled configurations—all of which are shown in FIGS.8-19 and 23-31. Thus, while the underbed hitch mounting system 10 andsome of the other systems may be shown and described as having two railsand one mid rail or adapter plate 40, it is to be understood that theremay be any appropriate number of rails or adapter plates and it shouldnot be limited to that shown and described herein.

In all of these embodiments, the rails 20 are configured to support agooseneck hitch and a fifth wheel hitch based upon the relativepositioning of the rails 20 and mid rails. Typical fifth wheel hitches55 may include a plurality of legs 57 to connect the hitch to a vehicle,while typical gooseneck connections are made at a center point (in boththe x- and y-axes, i.e., the transverse and longitudinal orientations ofthe bed/vehicle/system) of the system 10.

The rails 20 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such as agenerally tubular, square or rectangular shape. Each rail 20 may includeone or more sockets 30 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6). The sockets 30 may be ofany appropriate shaper or size, such as a generally ovular, circular orrectangular shape. The sockets 30 may be configured to receive andsupport the legs 57 of a fifth wheel hitch 55. The legs 57 may besecured to the rails 20 through the sockets 30 by any appropriate means,such as by fasteners, being welded, or the like.

The rails 20 may include connecting holes or mounting apertures 28(FIGS. 1, 2, 4-6, and 8-31). The mounting apertures 28 may be of anyappropriate shape or size, such as a generally circular, ovular orrectangular shape. There may be any number of appropriate mountingapertures 28 and should not be limited to that shown and describedherein.

The mounting apertures 28 may be utilized for connecting another memberto the rails 20, such as the adapter plate 40 or attachment brackets 54(see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). The mounting apertures 28 may also be used toconnect the rails 20 of the hitch mounting system 10 to the underbed ofthe towing vehicle frame 52. For example, the rails 20 may be connectedto the towing vehicle frame 52, such as underneath the truck bed (notshown).

The rails 20 may include one or more attachment brackets 54 (FIG. 2).For example, the mounting system 10 may have two attachment brackets 54.The attachment brackets 54 may be utilized for connecting the rails 20to the frame 52. The rails 20 may be connected to the attachmentbrackets 54 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding,monolithically formed, or the like. The attachment brackets 54 may be ofany appropriate shape or size, such as a general L-shape, rectangularplate or the like. The attachment brackets 54 may be sized and shaped toengage a vehicle frame.

Typical vehicle frames 52 may include two generally parallel steelmembers. An end of each rail 20 may connect to a first member of theframe 52 and an opposite end of the rail 20 may connect to a secondmember of the vehicle frame 52 (FIGS. 2, 8-10, and 14-19). The crossmembers or rails 20 may extend between the mounting brackets 54. Therails 20 may be of a length sufficient to span the distance between themounting brackets 54 when those brackets engage the vehicle framework52. The attachment brackets 54 may form a generally L-shaped bracket toengage the frame 52. The attachment brackets 54 may be attached to theframe 52 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding,monolithically formed, or the like.

The mid rail or adapter plate 40 may be of any appropriate shape orsize, such as a generally rectangular or tubular shape that may span thelength between the rails 20 (FIGS. 1, 4, 8-16 and 20-31). The mid railor adapter plate 40 may be configured to connect to the rails 20. Themid rail 40 may also attach to or overlap with another mid rail 40. Themid rail or adapter plate 40 may be attached to the rails by anyappropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding, monolithicallyformed, or the like.

The adapter plate 40 may be of a one piece construction or may includeseveral sections that may be secured together. The adapter plate 40 mayinclude a center section 32 and one or more mounting sections 34extending therefrom. For example, there may be two mounting sections 34(FIGS. 3 and 29). As an alternative, there may be no mounting sections34, such that the center section may be attached directly to the rails20 (FIGS. 4-6, 11-16, and 20-31).

The center section 32 may be located between the mounting sections 32.The mounting sections 34 may extend at a downward angle and away fromthe center section 32, such that the center section 32 may be positionedabove the mounting sections 34. The mounting sections 34 may extend inopposite directions away from the center section 32.

The mounting sections 34 may engage the rails 20 at any appropriatelocation, such as the underside of the rails 20. The mounting sections34 may be configured to connect to the rails 20 by any appropriatemeans, such as with fasteners, welding, monolithically formed, or thelike. When the mid rail 40 is connected to the rails 20, the centersection 32 may be approximately flush with and parallel to the rails 20(FIGS. 3 and 4). When the mounting section 34 engages the rails 20, themounting sections 34 may be approximately parallel to the rails 20. Eachmounting section 34 may include one or more openings or rail mountingapertures 38. The mounting apertures 38 may be configured to align withthe mounting apertures 28 in the rails 20. The mounting apertures 38 maybe of any appropriate shape or size, such as a generally circular,ovular or rectangular shape.

The adapter plate or mid rail 40 may also include a base member 36(FIGS. 3 and 6). The base member 36 may be of any appropriate shape orsize, such as a generally square, rectangular or tubular shape. The basemember 36 may be attached to the bottom of the adapter plate or mid rail40. The base member 36 may be attached to the mid rail 40 by anyappropriate means, such as by welding, fasteners, monolithically formed,or the like. The base member 36 may also be secured to the rails 20,such as on the underside of the rails 20 (FIGS. 4 and 6).

The adapter plate or mid rail 40 may be configured to receive a hitchball 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4-6). For example, the center section 32 mayinclude a hitch ball socket 42 that may be configured to receive thehitch ball 18. The hitch ball socket 42 may be of any appropriate shapeor size, such as a generally cylindrical shape. The hitch ball socket 42may be located at any appropriate position on the adapter plate 40, suchas the approximate center of the adapter plate 40. For example, thehitch ball socket 42 may be configured to receive a removable hitch ball18 with spring-loaded ball bearings. It should be appreciated, however,that the receptacle may be configured to receive any appropriate type ofhitch ball 18 and should not be limited to that shown or describedherein.

The hitch ball socket 42 may include a raised collar 46 and a cap 48(FIG. 3). The raised collar 46 may be of any appropriate shape or size,such as one that may extend above and approximately perpendicularly tothe surface of the center section 32. The cap 48 may be of anyappropriate shape or size, such as one that may engage the collar 46 andcover the hitch ball socket 42 when a hitch ball 18 is not connected tothe hitch ball socket 42.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another embodiment of the underbed hitch mountingsystem 10. The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may utilize a puckmounting system whereby the trailer hitch may be installed in the pickuptruck bed with only four small holes (not shown). Utilizing a puckmounting system may provide uninhibited use of the truck bed when thehitch is dismounted. The puck mounting system may also provide for awider platform and mounting surface, which increases the stability. Thepuck mounting system may be used with any appropriate trailer hitchmounting kit, such as those that utilize rail mounts or cross members 20for example, such as with the “Signature Series” produced and sold byCequent.

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include at least two rails orcross members 20. The cross members 20 may include sockets 30 forattachment with a puck or receiving member 44. The cross members 20 maybe attached to the vehicle framework 52 by any appropriate means, suchas with fasteners, by welding or the like.

Holes may be drilled in the truck bed corresponding to the locations ofthe sockets 30 in the rails 20 and the hitch ball socket 42. A fifthwheel hitch may be removably connected to the sockets 30 in the rails 20through the holes located in the truck bed. A hitch ball 18 may beremovably connected to the hitch ball socket 42 through the hole in thetruck bed, whereby a gooseneck hitch may be utilized.

The cross members 20 may be mounted to the truck bed with the use of thereceiving members 44. Each receiving member 44 may be mounted in asocket 30 provided in either of the cross members 20. The receivingmember 40 may be secured in the socket 30 by any appropriate means, suchas with fasteners, welding or the like. For example, a fastener, such asa bolt, could pass through an aperture in the bottom wall of the crossmember 20 and be secured in place by a cooperating nut and lock washer(not shown) if desired.

The puck or receiving member 44 may be of any appropriate shape or size,such as a cylindrical, oval, or a square shape, for example, and shouldnot be limited to that shown and described herein. The receiving member44 may be a one-piece integrally formed member. Each receiving member 44may also include an aperture 56 that may receive an accessory member 60.The aperture 56 may also be correspondingly shaped and sized to receivethe accessory member 60. Any number or variety of accessories 60 may beutilized with the receiving members 44. The accessory member 60 may beany appropriate or desired type of object, such as a cap or a safetychain tie down member. For example, caps (not shown) may be placed overthe receiving members 44 or holes in the truck bed when the hitch is notin use.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an integrally formed mounting system 10,whereby the receiving members 44 may be formed within the cross members20. FIG. 6 illustrates a mounting system 10 where the receiving members44 may be placed and secured into sockets 30 located within the crossmembers 20. The cross members 20 may be attached to one another by themid rail 40. The hitch ball socket 42 and corresponding hitch ball 18may be located on the mid rail 40 (FIGS. 4-6).

The underbed hitch mounting system 10 may include any number or varietyof mounting flanges 26 and mounting apertures 28 (FIGS. 4-6). Themounting flanges 26 may be of any appropriate shape or size, such asgenerally rectangular or circular. The mounting flanges 26 may belocated at any appropriate position on the rails 20, such as adjacent orat the ends of the rails 20. The mounting apertures 28 may be located inor around the mounting flanges 26. The mounting apertures 28 andmounting flanges 26 may aid in attached the mounting system 10 to theunderbed of the towing vehicle or the vehicle framework 52.

Additional embodiments of an underbed hitch mounting system according tothe present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all ofthe details and components are described and, in some instances,differences with the above-described embodiments may be pointed out.Moreover, it should be appreciated that these additional embodiments mayinclude elements or components utilized in the above-describedembodiments although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions ofthese additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusivenor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features,components, elements, and functionalities of the various embodiments maybe combined or altered to achieve a desired underbed hitch mountingsystem without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentteachings.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the underbed hitch mounting system 100 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 120. The parallel rails 120 may beattached to the vehicle framework 152 in a generally perpendicularmanner, wherein the end of a rail 120 meets the end of a framework 152at a generally right angle. The rails 120 may be connected to theframework 152 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, weldingor the like. The underbed hitch mounting system 100 may include two midrails 140 configured in a generally X-shape wherein a first end of eachmid rail 140 meets at a generally first right angle 153, 154 formedbetween the parallel rail 120 and the framework 152 and a second end ofeach mid rail 140 meets a generally second right angle 156, 158 formedbetween the parallel rail 120 and the framework 152 diagonal from thefirst right angle 153, 154. The rails 140 may be connected by anyappropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding, monolithicallyformed, or the like. The mid rails 140 may include one or more openingsor rail mounting apertures 138. The mounting apertures 138 may beconfigured to align with the mounting apertures 128 in the rails 120.Further, the rails 140 may include a hitch ball socket 142 on a centralportion 132 of the rails 140. The central portion 132 may be locatedwhere the two rails 140 overlap.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the underbed hitch mounting system 200 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 220, which may include mountingapertures 228. The underbed hitch mounting system 200 may include twomid rails 240 configured in a generally X-shape wherein a first end ofeach mid rail 240 meets at an end 262, 264 of the parallel rail 220 anda second end of each mid rail 240 meets at an end 266, 268 of theparallel rail 220 from end 262, 264. The rails 240 may be connected byany appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding, monolithicallyformed, or the like. The mid rails 240 may include one or more openingsor rail mounting apertures 238. Further, the rails 240 may include ahitch ball socket 242 on a central portion 232 of the rails 240. Thecentral portion 232 may be located where the two rails 240 overlap.

As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the underbed hitch mounting system 300 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 320. The parallel rails 320 may beattached to the vehicle framework 352 in a generally perpendicularmanner, wherein the end of a rail 320 meets the end of a framework 352at a right angle. The rails 320 may be connected to the framework 352 byany appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding, monolithicallyformed, or the like. The underbed hitch mounting system 300 may includea mid rail 340 in between, and parallel to, the framework 352, with afirst end generally perpendicularly connecting to a parallel rail 320and a second end generally perpendicularly connecting to anotherparallel rail 320. The mid rail 340 may or may not contact the framework352. The mid rail 340 may include one or more openings or rail mountingapertures 338. The mounting apertures 338 may be configured to alignwith the mounting apertures 328 in the rails 320. Further, the rail 340may include a hitch ball socket 342.

As shown in FIGS. 17-19, the underbed hitch mounting system 400 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 420 spaced apart from one another.The parallel rails 420 may be attached to the vehicle framework 452 in agenerally perpendicular manner, wherein the end of a rail 420 meets theend of a framework 452 at a right angle. The rails 420 may be connectedto the framework 452 by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners,welding, monolithically formed, or the like. The underbed hitch mountingsystem 400 may include a mid rail 440 in between, and generallyperpendicular to, the framework 452, with a first end generallyperpendicularly connecting to a framework 452 and a second end generallyperpendicularly connecting to another framework 452. The mid rail 440may or may not contact the parallel rails 420. The rails 440 may beconnected by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding,monolithically formed, or the like. The parallel rails 420 may includemounting apertures 428. Further, the rail 440 may include a hitch ballsocket 442 on a central portion 432. In an embodiment, the underbedhitch mounting system 500 may also be an I-beam.

As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the underbed hitch mounting system 500 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 520. The underbed hitch mountingsystem 500 may include a mid rail 540 generally perpendicular to theparallel rails 520 with a first end generally perpendicularly connectingto a parallel rail 520 and a second end generally perpendicularlyconnecting to another parallel rail 520. The rails 520 and mid rails 540may all be connected by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners,welding, monolithically formed, or the like. The mid rail 540 mayinclude a hitch ball socket 542.

As shown in FIGS. 23-25, the underbed hitch mounting system 600 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 620. The underbed hitch mountingsystem 600 may include three generally parallel mid rails 640 generallyperpendicular to the parallel rails 620 with a first end of each midrail 640 generally perpendicularly connecting to a parallel rail 620 anda second end of each mid rail 640 generally perpendicularly connectingto another parallel rail 620. The mid rails 640 may or may not contactanother mid rail 640. The rails 620 and mid rails 640 may all beconnected by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding,monolithically formed, or the like. The rails 640 may be connected byany appropriate means, such as with fasteners, welding, monolithicallyformed, or the like. The exterior mid rails 640 may include one or moreopenings or rail mounting apertures 638. The mounting apertures 638 maybe configured to align with the mounting apertures 628 in the rails 620.Further, a central rail 640 may include a hitch ball socket 642.

As shown in FIGS. 26-28, the underbed hitch mounting system 700 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 720, which may include mountingapertures 728. The underbed hitch mounting system 700 may include twomid rails 740 configured in a generally X-shape wherein a first end ofeach mid rail 740 meets at an end 762, 764 of the parallel rail 720 anda second end of each mid rail 740 meets at an end 766, 768 of theparallel rail 720 from end 762, 764. The rails 720 and mid rails 740 mayall be connected by any appropriate means, such as with fasteners,welding, monolithically formed, or the like. The mid rails 740 mayinclude one or more openings or rail mounting apertures 738. Further,the rails 740 may include a hitch ball socket 742 on a central portion732 of the rails 740. The central portion 732 may be located where thetwo rails 740 overlap.

As shown in FIGS. 29-31, the underbed hitch mounting system 800 mayinclude two generally parallel rails 820. The underbed hitch mountingsystem 800 may include a mid rail 840 generally perpendicular to theparallel rails 820 with a first end generally perpendicularly connectingto a parallel rail 820 and a second end generally perpendicularlyconnecting to another parallel rail 820. The mid rail 840 may include ahitch ball socket 842 on a central portion 832. The rails 820 and midrails 840 may all be connected by any appropriate means, such as withfasteners, welding, monolithically formed, or the like. The mid rail 840may also include one or more mounting sections 834 extending therefrom.The mounting sections 834 may include one or more openings or railmounting apertures 838. The mounting sections 834 may be configured atany appropriate angle including generally perpendicular to the mid rail840 and parallel to another mounting section 834 as shown in FIGS.29-31.

While the connections are shown as being attached, they may in someembodiments be monolithically formed or a portion thereof such asthrough forging, casting, or extrusion and bending.

Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detaileddescription, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements,modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplaryembodiment has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass thepreceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations alsofall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof

What is claimed is:
 1. An under bed hitch mounting system comprising: afirst rail; a second rail spaced from the first rail and positionedparallel with the first rail, wherein the first and second rails areconfigured to attached to a frame of a vehicle; first, second and thirdmid rails positioned perpendicular with and between the first and secondrails; a first pair of receiving members positioned in the first midrail; a second pair of receiving members positioned in the second midrail; and a hitch ball socket positioned in the third mid rail.
 2. Theunder bed hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein the first, secondand third mid rails are parallel one another and spaced apart from oneanother.
 3. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second pair of receiving members are configured to have afifth wheel hitch secured thereto.
 4. The under bed hitch mountingsystem of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third mid railscomprise rectangular tubular members.
 5. The under bed hitch mountingsystem of claim 1 further comprising a fifth wheel hitch attached withthe first and second pair of receiving members.
 6. An under bed hitchmounting system comprising: a first rail; a second rail spaced from thefirst rail and positioned parallel with the first rail, wherein thefirst and second rails are configured to attached to a frame of avehicle; first and second frame members attached between andperpendicular with the first and second rails, wherein the first andsecond frame members are spaced apart from one another; a first pair ofreceiving members positioned in the first rail; a second pair ofreceiving members positioned in the second rail; and a mid rail attachedwith the first and second rails between the first and second framemembers.
 7. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 6 furthercomprising a hitch ball socket positioned in the mid rail.
 8. The underbed hitch mounting system of claim 6, wherein the first and second pairof receiving members are configured to have a fifth wheel hitch securedthereto.
 9. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 6, wherein thefirst and second frame members comprise rectangular tubular members. 10.The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 6 further comprising afifth wheel hitch attached with the first and second pair of receivingmembers.
 11. An under bed hitch mounting system comprising: a firstrail; a second rail spaced from the first rail, wherein the first andsecond rails are configured to attach to a frame of a vehicle; a midrail attached between the first and second rail; a hitch ball socketpositioned in the mid rail; a first mounting section positioned on themid rail; and a first pair of receiving members positioned on the firstmounting section.
 12. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 11,wherein the mid rail is perpendicular with the first and second rails.13. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim 11 further comprising asecond mounting section positioned on the mid rail; and a second pair ofreceiving members positioned on the second mounting section.
 14. Theunder bed hitch mounting system of claim 13, wherein the first andsecond pair of receiving members are configured to have a fifth wheelhitch secured thereto.
 15. The under bed hitch mounting system of claim13 further comprising a fifth wheel hitch attached with the first andsecond pair of receiving members.